Spanish Empire in the New World

Flashcards about the Spanish Empire in the New World

Conquistadors

Spanish conquerors, often upper-class, driven by glory, greed, and religious zeal in the 16th century. Financed privately, not by the government.

Reasons for Conquistador Success

Superior weapons, organizational skills, and determination.

Hernando Cortes

Overthrew the Aztec Empire in mainland Mexico, beginning in 1519.

Montezuma

Aztec Empire leader overthrown by Hernando Cortes.

Francisco Pizarro

Took control of the Inca Empire high in the Peruvian Andes between 1531 and 1536.

Spanish Colonial Territories

A system of colonial administration established by the Spanish by 1535 to extend their influence to the New World.

Spanish Policy Toward People of the New World

Confusion over whether the inhabitants were 'full men,' paternalism, and cruel exploitation.

Encomienda

A system that permitted conquering Spaniards to collect tribute and use conquered people as laborers.

Responsibilities of Encomienda Holders

Holders were supposed to protect the people and supervise their spiritual and material needs.

Causes of High Death Toll of Indigenous People

Forced labor, starvation, and European diseases.

European Diseases

Smallpox, measles, and typhus.

Bartolome de las Casas

Dominican monk who championed the Indians.

Influence of de las Casas

Abolished the encomienda system in 1542 and provided protection for the natives through governmental action.

Papal Agreement with Catholic Monarchs of Spain

Catholic monarchs of Spain had rights over ecclesiastical affairs in the New World - they could nominate church officials, build churches, collect fees, and supervise religious orders.